Just this past weekend at theBig Sur International Marathon, I was closing out the 26.2-mile course, using it as a long training run with a buddy, and we were speeding up with every passing mile. Ahead, I recognized another friend swerving toward the final water station. As we roared on by, I gave a loud shout of encouragement. We never saw her after that, but I got tweeted at a day later: "Thanks for the extra push at mile 25. I couldn’t catch you."

See? Doesn’t that feel good?

Yep, that’s me he’s talking about. I’m the “swerver”. I said in my recap post that my friend cheered for me around mile 25 or so. This was him. Funny that I was struggling and he flew right on by as his “training run”.

It talks about the common feeling we get after a big race after the anticipation of it all is gone. The clearly defined goal you worked towards for so long is over. Kind of like Christmas being over. There are some great tips on how to avoid the post-race slump.

And here’s another one I found (thank you Google) on the topic again stating that it’s totally normal.

I especially like this take on it all to give it a little perspective.

This is the time to pause, reflect, and enjoy other aspects of life that may have been neglected during intensive training. Sleep late; spend more time with family and friends. Do things you wanted to do but sacrificed for your training. Plan ahead so that when the big event is over, you don’t face a vacuum of too much time.

After this pause and re-balancing, carefully select a new, realistic challenge, a new long-term goal. This may be in running, another sport, or something altogether different. You need a new dream to fill with passion and energy and get your juices flowing again.

It’s been nice having some down time with the family this week and I finally got a chance to talk to my best friend in Texas today. It had been way too long. Having some low key mornings have really been a blessing also. I better not get too used to them though. Ha.

Not mentioned in either article, but a little fiesta with the hubs last night sure helped the post-race blues situation over here.

Comments

I’m all about cheering people on – whether they are passing me or I’m passing them. So cool that Scott M. was referencing you!!!
We are behind on Modern Family and haven’t seen that episode – can’t wait!

I’m competitive enough that I wouldn’t want a stranger passing me cheering me on, and I wouldn’t cheer others thinking they might feel the same way. Unless it’s someone I know personally, then I can really use those few words of encouragement.
But I love to cheer people on out and back races, both the faster than me that are already on their way back, and those I see going after I turn around.

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are packed together with family, friends, parties and get-togethers. THEN comes nothing until Easter (well ya got Valentine’s day thrown in there) I always get a little sad during this time. Everyone gets back into their routine, it’s cold and gloomy most of the time…..BUT then Hallelujah!!! It’s Easter and it’s Spring….everyone is happy and starts coming outside to play!!! These feelings will pass and it is definintly time to spend doing the extras(like you do…swimming, reading watching Modern Family). You will have new exciting goals to pursue soon!

I actually don’t like to be cheered on until I”m successfully finished….probably because I”m nervous that I will somehow “fail”? I used to dance professionally and if someone had wished me luck I was always so hard on myself that I was worried that I would “mess up”. Never felt good enough I guess.

I think the adrenaline and endorphin crashes post-race/performance are very real. It always took me a few days or more to somewhat recover. The second day always felt the worst for some reason. I supposed the physical exhaustion was easing but then the mental letdown set in.

I ALWAYS cheer in the runners that PASS me! If I’m busting my gut at my pace and they have fuel to pass me? They’re amazing!!! And, in instances where I’m passing someone who is clearly struggling, I will cheer them on. Otherwise it just depends on the situation I think. Personally I love being cheered on, no matter who is doing it. Also, totally understand the post-race blues!!!! Big hugs!

[...] combination of being physically and mentally tired from both the race and travel, dealing with the post-race blues, trying to get caught up with work and home stuff and above all else just wanting to send as much [...]

Disclaimer

I am not a registered dietician, medical expert, or doctor. I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Please remember that my nutritional tips and advice are from my own personal experiences, knowledge and views. It is only in my scope of practice as a certified professional to give basic nutritional information using the USDA food guide pyramid. I am simply a fitness professional with a big appetite and love for food. I do not post every meal that I eat.

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